How I Built My Business: Samuel Adams

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The Story of Sam Adams

When Jim Koch brewed his first Samuel Adams Boston Lager nearly 30 years ago, few were willing to take on the giants of the beer industry.

Now, though Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors still dominate the overall U.S. beer market, Koch's Boston Beer Company commands 1 percent of the industry and has helped lead the renaissance in American craft beer.

The Boston Beer Company produced almost 2.5 million barrels of beer last year, in more than 50 styles, and drew close to $560 million in revenues.

It has grown from a company of just Koch to 840 employees, including a 300-person strong sales team. It's also one of nearly 2,000 U.S. craft breweries, according to the Brewers Association.

Koch's Boston Beer Company began with a family recipe in the attic and a full-bodied entrepreneurial spirit. Read ahead to learn about how Koch built his company.